 |
| DOLE organized a conference exploring AI's potential to boost productivity in micro, small, and medium enterprises across the Philippines. Photo: DOLE/FB |
PHILIPPINES—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NPWC), hosted the 2024 National Productivity Conference on October 14. The event aimed to explore the role of digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in enhancing productivity among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The conference, which was themed "Harnessing technologies. Mainstreaming productivity. Building the future," focused on how AI can transform MSME operations, thereby boosting productivity and contributing to economic growth.
In his keynote address, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma emphasized the importance of learning from the experiences of MSMEs. He stated, "This conference will be about learning from their experiences, so that policymakers, administrators, and advocates like us can make better-informed decisions."
The event brought together digital technology and AI experts, regional wage board members, MSME owners, and representatives from both government and the private sector. Notable speakers included Dr. Sebastian C. Ibanez, who introduced the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0, and Dr. Eugene Rex Jalao, who discussed infrastructure solutions and best practices to help MSMEs overcome the digital divide.
Mary Rose Ofianga from the Wadhani Foundation addressed the gender digital divide, suggesting education and training as crucial measures to improve digital access for all workers. In contrast, Atty. Yves Gonzales from Google Philippines and Jude Michael Teves from the Asian Development Bank shared strategies for streamlining MSME operations through AI.
During the conference, Gian Paulo Dela Rama from Sprout Solutions clarified misconceptions about AI, describing it as a tool to augment human resources rather than replace them. Secretary Laguesma reinforced this point, stressing that human resources are essential for effectively utilizing technology.
Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano concluded the event by highlighting the positive changes AI could bring to MSMEs. He encouraged MSMEs to participate in the redesigned DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), which provides support for adapting to workforce changes.
The AMP offers various projects, including capacity-building grants and technological adaptation facilitation, to upskill workers and improve management systems to drive sustainable economic growth. —iTacloban (Source: 1)